2005 PDQ Antares 44 “Whatabout” — Recent Refit

English-born and Australian-raised, I forged a successful corporate career, working initially in Australia, Melbourne, and Sydney but also based in Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Singapore for many years.

This gave me a love for Asia. After returning to Australia and setting up a business in 2003, I sold it and retired early in 2008.

My passions were travel and endurance sports. I have climbed some of the world’s most challenging mountains, hiked the most demanding trails, walked the long Camino trails, biked across Europe, and ran countless half marathons and a few full marathons. In 2018 I moved to Thailand and am now married to a beautiful Thai lady and live in Phuket. Due to my age, my body was taking a toll on the training required to keep up the fitness required for adventure sports, so I decided to start sailing the target. Round the world, why not?

So with my best friend and hiking buddy, we bought the best possible boat for that journey and decided to set it up for a long and arduous adventure. After a year of refitting and two long shake-down trips, my buddy pulled out; circumstances forced him to change course. So, after finishing the refit, I decided to take a solo trip (with my crew) to the Caribbean.

And guess what? I’m currently there! Along the way, I’ve been making sure the boat is in top shape, and I think it’s as good as it can get. Oh, and did I mention that the boat has now completed its circumnavigation? It’s ready to keep sailing, and I hope someone finds as much joy in her as I have.